Revenue Development and Management School

The Revenue Development and Management School (RDMS) is a nationally recognized, two-year professional development program designed for park and recreation professionals who want to strengthen their skills in generating, managing, and sustaining revenue. RDMS offers a unique blend of classroom learning, peer networking, and practical application. Participants gain tools and strategies to improve cost recovery, enhance financial sustainability, build partnerships, and tell the story of their agency’s impact. The curriculum also connects how marketing, programming, and strategic and system planning drive revenue growth, giving attendees a comprehensive perspective that links day-to-day operations with long-term success. Whether you’re responsible for budgets, programs, marketing, events, facilities, or leadership decisions, RDMS provides actionable insights, best practices, case studies, and a supportive network to help you grow revenue and your career. RDMS is a comprehensive and unique professional development program focusing on proven revenue management and development techniques. It’s targeted towards agencies that rely wholly or in part on generating revenues, such as organizations associated with state or local parks, recreation, leisure services, military recreation, and other nonprofits.

Who should attend

Agency supervisors, managers and directors who are responsible for generating revenues.

Registration, Fees, and Dates

Registration for Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School, running March 7-12, 2027 at Oglebay National Training Center in Wheeling, WV, is open! The School runs on a two-year schedule. Students complete classes one week for two consecutive years, with no additional work in between.

Register Now!

Cost to Attend

West Wing Rooms
$2688.54 per person, single occupancy, $2296.94 per person, double occupancy

Lakeside Wing Rooms
$2780.69 per person, single occupancy, $2343.04 per person, double occupancy

Chalet Rooms Packages
$2619.44 per person, single occupancy

Please note: Double occupancy refers to two guests in one room.

Cottage rates are available. Non-Members add an additional $50 per person to the package price. Early arrival rates are available for $152 per room, per night, plus applicable taxes and fees. Please inquire with Oglebay upon booking.

*Package rates include Member Tuition, 5-Night's Lodging, 5 Buffet Breakfasts, 4 Buffet Lunches, Sunday and Monday Dinner Buffet, Tuesday Fun Night and Appetizers, Continuous Beverage Breaks, Beverage Tickets, Thursday Graduation Banquet, and all applicable taxes and fees. Please note: Double occupancy refers to two guests in one room.

For more information on registration, contact Oglebay at [email protected]

Location

The Revenue Development and Management School is hosted annually at the Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia in partnership with the National Training Center at Oglebay.

Partnership

Supervisors' Management School is a partnership between the National Recreation and Park Association, North Carolina State University, and the National Training Center at Oglebay Park Resort.

Key Subjects Covered

Year 1

  • Philosophy and Politics of Revenue Generation
  • Philosophy Impacts on Cost-Recovery and Pricing
  • Understanding the Big Financial Picture
  • How a Budget is Born
  • Speed Sessions
  • Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
  • Aligning Priorities and Performance
  • Insights Into Your Customers' Needs, Wants & Values
  • Creating Experiences That Reflect Today's Consumers
  • Evaluating the Customer Experience
  • Positioning and Marketing Your Organization and Service (Double)
  • Working with Vendors, Contractors, and Partners (Double)
  • Monitoring & Managing Your Budget
  • Spending and Saving Strategies to Make the
  • Most of your Money

Year 2

  • Strategic Planning
  • Marketing Plans
  • Business Plans
  • Budgeting Models, Special Funds & Fees
  • Financing
  • Using Data to Improve Your Service and Operations
  • Measuring Your Economic Impact
  • Year 2 Team Project
  • Revenue Generation: Fundraising, Grants, and Other Revenue Generation Opportunities, Sponsorship (Double)
  • Revenue Generation: Parks, Facilities, Events, Programs
  • Project Management
  • Reflecting on Revenue School with a Real-Life Project

What do graduates say?

“Revenue Development and Management school provided a comprehensive overview of all aspects in the parks and recreation business which affect revenue. It provided great networking opportunities with other municipalities, and many valuable tools to take back to your own municipality and apply.” — Jillian Fleming, City of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

“It was the best week, I learned SO much! Now, not a week goes by that my boss doesn't say, I'm glad I sent you to the Revenue Development and Management School!” — Julie Calloway, CPRP, City of Boulder City, Nevada

“Best educational experience I have had in my professional career. I will be implementing many of the strategies I learned when I get back to my home community.” — Gary Johnson, Town of Smithfield Parks and Rec. Dept., Smithfield, North Carolina

“The Revenue Development and Management School provides the opportunity for professionals in the field to enhance their skills and share current (real-life) issues with each other in an effort to improve parks and recreation operations throughout the country.” — Carolyn Angiollillo, Manatee County Parks and Recreation Dept., Bradenton, Florida